Re-use, Recycling, and composting areas

Kailash Ecovillage has one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in Portland. In addition to the regular commingled recycling and glass, we also recycle: shredded paper, Styrofoam peanuts, all types of plastic film, and batteries. We also have reserved an area in the lower breezeway for re-use of clean donatable goods. Anything not reused in a timely manner will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Here's the process for determining what to do with something unwanted:

First consult the ecovillage sign that summarizes recycling:

Here is a close up of the recycling center sign:

Is it re-usable? If so, then put it in the Freebie area after cleaning it:

If it cannot be re-used, it can probably be recycled.

First, is it an Oregon deposit container? If so, place here so it can be returned for deposit. Anyone may help themselves to the containers in the bin.

Consult the following signs for Portland area recycling:

Does it fall into the co-mingled category?

We will soon be setting up a bin for co-mingled items that are not accepted in the usual co-mingled bin. Examples: any hard plastics, including lids and buckets. Currently, Styrofoam blocks are not acceptable. These items are recycled at Far West Fiber.

Then it goes here:

If not, is it recyclable glass?

Then it goes here:

If you are retrieving your mail and do not want it, then deposit it immediately into the Junk Mail bin. This is periodically transferred to the co-mingled recycling bin.

We recycle several items that Portland does not, including some types of plastic film. If you can push your thumb through the plastic it is recyclable here. Cellophane, mylar (with a coating of aluminum on one side), and anything that crackles when it is crumpled, is unfortunately not OK and must currently be placed in the garbage dumpster. Film is recycled at Far West Fiber.

We also recycle shredded paper. These two bins are across from the mailboxes.

Styrofoam peanuts are kept in a bin also located in the laundry room, next to the message chalk board. If you need to pack something, help yourself!

Any kind of batteries can be recycled here also.

Any food items and other compostables from residents can be composted on site. We also welcome neighbors to utilize our composting site.

Please follow the instructions for making deposits.

We have seven large bins to recycle all garden, food waste, and other compostables into new soil.

We specialize in thermophilic composting which sterilizes the compost. This photo was taken December 27, 2009. Ambient temperature was scarcely above freezing, yet the center of the compost is well above 140 degrees Fahrenheit!

Only if you cannot put your unneeded item in the above areas should you use the final bin, reserved for garbage.